Global Tourism Economy Forum 2025 Impacts Macao's Position as a Key Player in Tourism

Elevating Macao's Global Tourism Profile through the 2025 Forum

The Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) 2025, held in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, marks a pivotal event in the tourism sector that elevates Macao's status as a global center for tourism and leisure. This edition, taking place outside of Macao for the first time, gathered a diverse group of leaders and key players from the tourism industry, ready to explore new opportunities and foster innovative collaborations under the theme "New Quality Productive Forces Powering the Global Tourism Economy."

A Gathering of Industry Elites

The forum saw attendance from significant figures such as Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and various tourism ministers from around the globe. Leaders and entrepreneurs engaged in dialogues intended to leverage the unique resources and strengths of both Heilongjiang and Macao, identifying ways to enhance cooperation in trade, technology, education, and cultural tourism.

Opening the event, Tai Kin Ip, the Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR, highlighted the need for Macao to utilize its unique advantages and position itself as 'One Centre, One Platform, One Base.' This strategy is aimed at ensuring sustainable development through economic diversification.

Key Focus Areas of the Forum

The discussions at the GTEF revolved around four main pillars: 1) Ice-Snow Economy and Industrial Innovation, 2) Cultural Empowerment and Brand Building, 3) Investment Leadership and Project Development, and 4) Cross-Border Collaboration and Cooperation Opportunities. These themes encapsulate the strategies for enhancing regional partnerships and ensuring that tourism becomes a robust economic driver in the years to come.

With over 1,000 delegates from various backgrounds, in-depth discussions took place focusing on how to better integrate and diversify the tourism offerings in both Heilongjiang and Macao. A significant point of interaction was the live broadcast from Heilongjiang that engaged audiences in Macao, reinforcing the connection between the two regions.

Additionally, a specific session aimed at promoting investment opportunities in Macao focused on improving the city's reputation as a world tourism center, showcasing its potential as a preferred destination for tourists and investors alike.

Promoting Sustainable Tourism Development

Since its inception in Macao in 2012, the GTEF has facilitated international exchanges and collaborations designed to bolster sustainable tourism. The forum is organized under the auspices of the Heilongjiang Provincial People's Government, with support from the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre and the UN Tourism agency, showcasing a commitment to long-term economic planning and cooperation.

This eleventh edition of the forum is not just a milestone for the event itself, but also highlights the vitality of national tourism and economic development in China. The successful establishment of the GTEF in Harbin underlines the importance of international cooperation in the tourism sector, aiming to reinforce Macao's global influence.

Conclusion

As the Global Tourism Economy Forum paves the way for new partnerships and innovations in the tourism sector, Macao stands to gain significant advantages. The collaboration between Heilongjiang and Macao has the potential to transform both regions into vibrant cultural and economic hubs, anchoring their positions on the global tourism map and setting a precedent for future endeavors in the industry.